Seasonality in diabetes in Yaounde, Cameroon: a relation with precipitation and temperature

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetes is a growing health concern in developing countries, with Cameroon population having an estimated 6% affected. Of note, hospital attendees appear to be increasing all over the country, with fluctuating numbers throughout the annual calendar. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between diabete hospitalization admission rates and climate variations in Yaounde.MethodsA retrospectively designed study was conducted in four health facilities of Yaounde (Central Hospital, University teaching hospital, Biyem-Assi and Djoungolo District Hospitals), using medical records from 2000 to 2008. A relationship between diabetes (newly diagnosed diabetes patients or decompensated diabetics) hospitalization admissions and climate variations was determined using the “2000–2008” national meteorological database (precipitation and temperature).ResultsThe monthly medians of precipitation and temperature were 154mm and 25 °C, respectively. The month of October received 239mm of precipitation. The monthly medians of diabetic admissions rates (newly diagnosed or decompensated diabetes patients) were 262 and 72 respectively. October received 366 newly diagnosed diabetics and 99 decompensated diabetics. Interestingly, diabetic hospitalization admissions rates were higher during the rainy (51 %, 1633/3232) than the dry season, though the difference was non-significant. The wettest month (October) reported the highest cases (10 %, 336/3232) corresponding to the month with the highest precipitation level (239mm). Diabetes hospitalization admissions rates varied across health facilities [from 6 % (189/3232) in 2000 to 15 % (474/3232) in 2008].ConclusionDiabetes is an important epidemiological disease in the city of Yaounde. The variation in the prevalence of diabetes is almost superimposed to that of precipitation; and the prevalence seems increasing during raining seasons in Yaoundé.

The Precipitating Factor of Diabetic Ketoacidosis for Patients Admitted Intensive Care Unit at Prince Rashid Hospital in Jordan

“…However, many studies have shown that nonadherence on insulin therapy has been considered the main cause of DKA particularly in low-income countries 11,[13][14][15] . Based on the literature, the precipitating factors of DKA are different between countries and depend on number of variables such as age, climate, education level and economic level 6,13,16 .…”

Pytochemical Characterization, Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Activity and Acute Toxicity of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) Seed Oil in Wistar Rat Models

“…Neem oil is equally applied as a pomade to treat "getti getti" (nappy rash) [2][3][4][5]. In the South West region of Cameroon, Azadirachta indica A. Juss seeds, leaves and bark are used to treat malaria, typhoid, intestinal worms and diabetes, and used as mosquito repellent [3,6].…”

“…Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels [4][5][6][7].…”

“…By 2030 it is expected to increase to 7.7% and affecting 438 million adults. Between 2010 and 2030, there is an expected 69% increase in numbers of adults with diabetes in developing countries and a 20% increase in developed countries [5][6][7][8][9]. The agestandardized prevalence of diabetes in the rural and urban population ranged from 0.8% to 1.6% among adult Cameroonians.…”

“…In 2010, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated the Nation prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 20 to 79 years at 4.4%. Prevalent undiagnosed diabetes is also very high -about 80% [6,10].…”